Study sheet with the Rape of Europa 1495

This 1495 study sheet by Albrecht Dürer, now housed in the Albertina in Vienna, shows the artist’s preparatory work for a larger composition. Dürer is known for his detailed and meticulous approach to art, and this study sheet exemplifies that, with detailed sketches of figures and animals, including a study of the head of a lion. The central scene depicts the abduction of Europa, a myth that inspired many artists, with the god Zeus disguised as a bull carrying her away. The artist's masterful use of line and shading to render anatomy and perspective is clear, reflecting his early exploration of the human form and classical mythology. This is a testament to the rigorous process of artistic creation and gives a glimpse into the mind of one of the most renowned masters of the Renaissance.